The davit launches the crews boarding boat, allowing them to get to the Severn class lifeboat moored a short distance from the jetty. Without this vital piece of equipment the crew simply could not launch the lifeboat.

The davit was installed on the 18th May 1992. Powered by a Lister, two cylinder diesel engine, the hydraulically driven davit has been reliable and faithful to the crew at RNLI Humber, launching the boat to countless service calls over the years and rarely missing a beat. However modern time calls for modern equipment.

Liam Dunnett, RNLI Assistant Mechanic for Humber lifeboat, said:

'The diesel engine has been well looked after and we try to look after it as best we can. It has had a long and hard life, given the location it’s required to operate in.’

The unit has been replaced with a more economical and quieter, electrical driven motor. Along with hydraulic hoses being replaced and additional safety equipment being installed, the new davit system uses biodegradable hydraulic oil, so should the system spring a leak, it will have minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

The installation was completed over the course of five days by Compass Winches engineer Richard Siddons and RNLI mechanic Ed Kilsby. During this time the Humber RNLI lifeboat crew operated the Severn class lifeboat from Grimsby docks, ready to respond if they were requested.

Ed Kilsby RNLI Station Mechanic for Humber lifeboat said:

'The davit was in need of modernisation and thanks to Richard and his team the new system should be operating long in to the future. The week was not without its challenges, as to be expected refurbishing a 26-year-old piece of equipment. The expertise from all involved in the project allowed for a quick turnaround, so that the lifeboat could be back in operation from her home here at Spurn Point.'

Notes to editors

Humber Lifeboat Station is the only full time all weather lifeboat crew in the RNLI and has been saving lives at sea since 1810.

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.